Van life couple at Flume Gorge & Littleton, New Hampshire on New England road trip
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- Опубликовано: 23 дек 2024
- Ep. 267 - Since 2020, we've gone to lots of fascinating places in our self converted Ford Transit camper van. Today, we're starting our exploration of the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. We can’t wait to share it with you!
IN THIS VIDEO:
Littleton, NH: The charming town of Littleton is nestled at the edge of the White Mountains along the Ammonoosuc River. The town, the birthplace of the beloved Pollyanna character, has a variety of shops and restaurant, a covered bridge, public art, farmer's market, and beautiful library.
Flume Gorge: This state park features a 2 mile hike to the Flume, a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty, two covered bridges, other gorges, waterfalls, and cave-like structures to explore.
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👉 ABOUT US: We're Steve and Audra, a van life couple from South Florida who share a passion for cheap travel, nature, wildlife, DIY projects, and adventure! After about 2.5 years, we finished converting our 2019 Ford Transit high roof cargo van into a tiny home on wheels. We've been sharing our experience as we travel the country on a low budget with our cat Lady Gray Gray Gillespie Pinkerton. We invite you to follow along on our journey! If you have any questions, we’re happy to answer! Comment below or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram and we’ll respond as soon as possible. And please don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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#vanlife #vanlifetravel #cheaptravel
You were thumbs down on the Gorge fees but another way of looking at it is the costs involved in maintaining the boardwalks, signage and other things has to come from somewhere.
We definitely get that although I'm sure what they are charging with the amount of people that come through is significantly more than what is needed to maintain the park - but they can charge that much because it's in a touristy area and it is more unique for a state park. My guess is some of it goes to some other parks but who knows. We also know people spend way more on other kinds of attractions but we're all about limiting our spending when we can and it's all relative. It feels expensive when we are used to spending nothing or much less to be out in nature.
@@SteveAudra Search and Rescue is a huge cost that we can't just walk away from and leave hikers to die. Helicopters, experienced climbers with the right gear (a lot of volunteers in the mix), EMS folks equipped for mountain rescue, people who, over the years, have acquired an intimate knowledge of the mountains. We need them. You might need them. This year Leaf Peepers had to be rescued from Angel's Bluff. The weather up above was solid winter and they were dressed for below...flip flops, slippers, shorts, and the crowding on the trail became dangerous as well. We are grateful for the support we get.
@@contactsuzi7096 We certainly understand that but I'm guessing that's not the case at the Flume Gorge, right? Is some of that money going to those other things? We have a friend who does search and rescue in Colorado but we didn't run into any hiking places there that cost as much as the Flume Gorge. We're used to $5-10, which seems a lot more reasonable. Not $20/person. That's more of a tourist trap place kind of price, which this particular state park seems to be. We're not used to that for a state park. But we knew that when we went. We just think the price is high.
There are absolutely hundreds of places to hike for free in NH if you take time to reasearch AND prepare. The Flume is a tourist trap but a safe place to get some of the beauty of the White Mountains if a "real" hike is not what someone is able to accomplish. Unlike Colorado, we are a small state without the tax base to fund our state parks without charging for entry to a place that requires a lot of maintenance.
I've seen complaints from RV and Van life folks about New Hampshire, which is where I live. The state and national parks have had to change to a reservation system to manage the crowds and the naughty stuff they leave behind. We offer clean campgrounds with toilets, not park ups. We have to fund search and rescue teams, trail management, forest service personnel. So...yeah, it's expensive to maintain it all.
Interesting. Reservations weren't necessary at the campground we stopped at. It was a self-pay. It's sad about messes that people leave behind, which seems to happen everywhere. We and many of our van life friends try to clean up messes that others leave because we think leaving an area clean is important. We understand there needing to be some fees but it's all relative and typically we don't pay to stay at campgrounds. I'm sure there are lots of people who have no problem paying the fees. We just do things differently. But NH is certainly beautiful and we enjoyed our time there.
RV folks especially van folks complain about everything that cost's more then a dollar. Thus why they have only a van not a real nice RV. I ran a campground for the USFS and the van folks as well as sleep in their car folks always complained about the fees. And always asked were to camp free.
Columbus weekend the crowds going up trails in NH to see foliage were so thick, authorities are thinking of restricting access next year. And only tourists pay to see The Flume. Go see (free) Sculptured Rocks in Groton or pay forPolar Caves in Plymouth to go thru the lemon squeeze.
@mommaoinnh2674 It must be crazy during that time! Thanks for those recommendations! We've saved them for the future. We did get to Rocky Gorge (next video) which looks to have some similarities to the Sculptured Rocks! Very cool!
As a longtime resident of NH the crowds at our parks and attractions are out of control. I never even consider heading to the white mountains during holidays and especially during foliage season. It used to be wonderful
Wow! It's so cool to see this again! 💓 We had gone there many years ago and just happened to find it off the highway. It made us really love New Hampshire. So happy to see you guys out there exploring. Getting excited about our Florida van events and hope to see you there! 🚐
Oh, that's so fun that you guys have been there! It's such a pretty region! It was a little touristy at the Flume Gorge with enough people that it made it a challenge to get good video and pics but the gorge was unique and neat to walk through! Yesssss! We can't wait for Florida fun!!! It will be nice to see you guys again! 🙂🚐🌴
I didn’t know about Pollyanna. Thanks!
Glad to share that little nugget with you! 🙂
Another place you can camp in is Watkins Glen in NY. They also have a nice water feature you can walk down into. Hard to get reservations I have found though.
We live in SW NH and travel up there maybe once a year. Prices have gotten pretty steep though. There are several areas you can walk around in that are free off route 93.
Take care!
-Jon
We love Watkins Glen! It's in our list of top 5 waterfall hikes! Audra grew up in that area so we've enjoyed many of the falls around there and have made some videos on some of them including Watkins Glen. We've never camped there though. Thanks for watching! We love hearing from other nature lovers!
I`m really enjoying these New England locations. Your hike through the Gorge was magical. When i saw all the steps you had to navigate my 2 Total Knee Replacements began to cringe. No way i could indulge in this adventure. Thanks for doing it for me. Can`t say enough about your beautiful Video and photography technique. Well done! Rob
@@mccproc We really appreciate that so much, Rob! New England is so beautiful!!! Oh boy, sorry to hear you've had to have both knees replaced. That's why we're glad to be able to be doing all this now. You never know what the future holds. Steve's dad had a spinal stroke just before he retired. We don't want to take our health and mobility for granted at all! Thanks for following along on our adventure!
I hope you stopped at the art gallery and old general store in Bath, NH
@@micmacpole We didn't get to Bath at all, we don't think. I tried to find the store you mention. Do you mean the Brick Store? On Google it says it's permanently closed.
I haven't been there in over thirty years. The lost river also. Been to the White Mountains plenty of times, but just haven't visited there in a long time
You should check out covered bridges in PA. We went on a mission to cover them all a total of 126.
Steve grew up in Lancaster County so we have seen several covered bridges in that area. We'll have to keep our eyes out for more!
That egg of the chicken thing will never catch on.
The laugh track 😂😂😂
😂 And we were so convinced it was such a great idea!
As a Native of NH , yes you are correct the Flume it is a tourist trap, but nice to see it once. We went there once as kids and I think it might have been like $2.00 or free I don't remember it was 60 yrs ago LOL. I've hiked all around the whites in NH and there are many places that cost nothing. Steve is right tho, back trails are there if you take the time to hike around the area there is a trail that goes right thru that area but it's a much longer hike from the mountains above that area. A few very hidden river swimming holes too in the area. The Kancamagus is a great hiking area with lots to see for free. Bear Notch Road is real nice ride that is off the Kang highway. Lots of trails with water falls along the Kang too. The Cog Railway is worth the money.imo. I've hiked all the Presidental's all around Mt Wash and there are great huts to stay in with a reservation and some that don't need a reservation, A guide book of the area is a must for longer stays in the area. Glad you enjoyed NH.
We got a lot of flack for our opinion that it's overpriced so we appreciate your kinder comment! We are glad we went but really think they are charging too much. We'll have to remember Bear Notch Road for the future and the Cog Rail has been on our list. If only there was more time in a day! LOL! We always have to pick and choose what we'll do and we barely feel like we're even scratching the surface when we're in an area. Hopefully we can get back again in the future and do more exploring! Thanks for watching!
Look how clean the water is. I remember back in the 80s just drinking from the stream. The water was so crisp, and tasted good
Beautiful water and area!
When you were in Newport vt you should have went to Willoughby lake . It’s the most amazing place
@@debvoltolina6143 We saw it and thought about it but didn't know what there was to do or where to go. Any recommendations?
@@SteveAudraHike Mt. Pisgah, and chill on the south side.
Next time your there try the Basin hike. I also recommend trying the gondolas to Cannon Mountain.
@@TravelingWithSpecialAbilities Thanks for the recommendations! We were going to do a gondola ride but ended up hiking up a mountain instead!
I totally loved this post. You are excellent at photography and information about the area .thanks for a little vacation in Littleton because I'll never get there.
I love Lady gray I have a big boy cat named Abe... cats need lots of naps😻
Blessing s to you both ❤&🙏s
Thank you so much, Lois! ❤ We appreciate that. It was such a charming town and beautiful area. Our Lady Gray sends salutations to Abe! 🐱 Her favorite hobby is definitely sleeping! But she also likes hearing from her admirers. 🙂
I have a man-cold and may die. This could be the last video I watch. It was great.
Oh no, not a man cold!!!!! Well, at least we know everything ended with you happily watching a Steve and Audra video! 🤣🤣🤣 But seriously, we hope Kim can nurse you back to health. We don't want you to die. We want to see you in Florida at VanFest!
I've traveled and camped with my RV all across the usa for many years. I'm proud I never complained about the fees for camping or visiting. The way it is for a reason. And I'm not smart enough to know why and assume. Assumer's really tick me off. Think they're so smart about things.
We are a channel about cheap travel. We are not "complaining." We are sharing our experience and giving our honest opinions as we travel. I don't think that anyone can argue that fact that the price here at the Flume is high compared to most state parks across the country, no matter the "why." We knew when we went what the price was and we made the decision to pay that price anyway. However, I hope you'd agree that everyone is entitled to an opinion regarding if the cost is worth the experience at any place they visit. We won't dictate to other people if they should pay the price or not. That is up to them, obviously. The Flume gorge is beautiful, but we still think it's overpriced for what it is comparing it to experiences and places we have visited around the rest of the country.
@@SteveAudra It's not high priced at all. For you maybe. It seems what you are looking for isn't the same for millions of vistors there. I know cheaper state parks but aren't as good. Pretty boring actually. You seem to be better off going to other lesser known places that are cheaper that don't draw the crowds or has the attractions the flume does.
Beautiful cozy town and l you find these by chasing libraries. That gorge with waterfalls was a cool experience, very pretty but looks like you guys have seen so many of those for free that you're not impressed so much when you have to pay. I would love to see this one and all those waterfalls. Steve is an official bench checker 😅. This van life takes you all places where you probably would never end up. Are you guys spending the winter months in Florida or what's the plan? By the way that song you Audra played at the end is the only song I can play in piano 😊
Yes, it's a little funny that we're discovering some really neat places as a result of chasing libraries! The White Mountains region is very beautiful and the gorge was really neat. It was impressive but felt too much like a tourist trap with how many people were also in the gorge and how much it cost. (I felt like I had to rush and it was a challenge to get good pics and video.) Steve and his benches! LOL! We will definitely spend the winter in Florida. Hopefully we can meet up again! Maybe we can do a piano duet! 🙂
Looks like Steve was stretching his editing fingers again. I enjoyed the sound effects and music.
@@jshenderson We always appreciate hearing that kind of feedback. He loves when people notice the smaller details, it puts some of that figurative gas in the tank! 🙂 I think he does great work. I always look forward to seeing the first draft and I'm always impressed when I see what he has done with all the raw footage!
This area reminds me of the Harpers Ferry WV area. Lovely!! Im with you on the peanut butter and chocolate, Audra!
@@Christina0623 Yes to chocolate and peanut butter!!!! 😋 Ooh, we've been to Harper's Ferry! That's another really great town!!!
I thought Steve was a Fun Guy! We have actually not been to Littleton that I know of. Very nice. I hope the next video is a gondola ride to the top of Loon Mt. We skied there. We even skied at Cannon once. I hope you drove thru Ludlow in Vt. it's a smaller scale Littleton. I used to make money as a kid on the playground tying shoes. It was a Knot for Profit business!
He is on a roll tonight, folks!!!! 😆 I think what you need to do is give us all your recommendations now for everywhere so if we go somewhere we have them before we visit a place!
@@SteveAudra I'll try again. I must not have hit the Reply button first time. Here goes: Visit Clinton, NJ for the Red Mill and falls, Merrill Creek Reservoir (Man-made and big), then on to Peddlers Village (Yummy Foods and lots of Shops). , then take Aquetong Road to River Road (Rte32) to visit Bowman's Tower (you'll see why when you get there), continue down the Pa. side on River Road. Also include the 911 Memorial in Lower Makefield dedicated to the 19 people from there who died on 9-11. Continue down River Road to Washington's Crossing. We all know what Wash. Crossing is famous for! Me almost getting a ticket for running a stop sign on a bicycle. Funny Story. Next stop is the Flemington Courthouse where the Lindbergh Baby trial was held (I know you guys LOVE courthouses). Go down the NJ side to see the State Capital of NJ. Rte. 29 takes you by the Dome and the Morrisville bridge. Be sure to video the sign on the bridge. You will also pass the Trenton Thunder stadium. Do not go over the Morrisville Bridge. Have fun!
@@frankwolf389 Awesome! Thanks for these recommendations! We'll see what we can do!
Looks like a cool place. Sounds like it would be worth it. Beautiful scenery, too. 2+2+1.
.
@@rongreen7308 We love this area! You know us, don't like spending the money! Lol! We think it was overpriced but cool to experience! ❤️❤️🚐
yall missed out on the best two stores in town with the most insightful souls had you walked into aylaki broom closet or the north east prospector you would of greeted with true hospitality best of the best intown grandeur!
@@alforge5554 We're sorry we missed those spots!
Did you mean gouged?
Yes, but with a play on words.
What did Steve do with the money his mother gave him for piano lessons LOL 😂
Nice piano playing Audra !!! 🎹👍✌️♥️😎
He bought bubble gum instead.
You guys were minutes away from my house
Ya , who would of thought a van "car" camper would complain about the price . All the while not realizing that someone made and keeps up those trail and bridges. Oh and winter there wipes out a lot of that trail every year.
So ya you could realize that you being a vagabond should stick to the free stuff and expect some natives to tell you to move along!
I am with Steve with the $36.00 dollars for the park I have to tryout how Steve cocks the eggs cool see you on next video drive safe out there here from Ontario Canada ❤️❤️❤️❤️🇨🇦🇨🇦😎
It was a cool park but surprisingly pricey for a state park! Glad we can check it off the list though. Let us know how it goes cooking eggs! Do you think his idea will take off? 😆 Thanks for watching and for the love from Canada!
I think you mean gouged.
Yes, we did. But we were at a gorge so it was a play on words. 🙂
Comment!
@@E6fireman237 ⛰️
Loved your video. So, can we blame global warming for the missing bolder? 😊 You guys are living a sweet life.
@@JavaWalkerWorld Thank you! We're so appreciative that we have this opportunity to travel and explore! Thanks for watching!
This reminds me of Minnewaska in the mountains outside of New Paltz, New York. It’s a state Park and costs $10.
@@carolwarren2020 We'll have to check that out!
Gorge was pretty cool, but it's no Watkins Glen.
Very different. It's pretty hard to beat Watkins Glen!
Don’t come